Saxony-Anhalt ahead of the regional elections: Max, 17, is fighting for an open society; Hannes, a law student, is documenting the shift to the right in his home region; and Alexandra, a cosmetologist, sees every day just how deeply divided her clientele is politically.

A few months before the fall state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, which could well prove decisive: the regional chapter of the AfD—classified by domestic intelligence agencies as a confirmed far-right movement—is polling very close to an absolute majority. Max, 17, uses his social media channel “Maximal demokratisch” to advocate for democracy, against fascism, and for an open and pluralistic society. As the son of an Iraqi father and a German mother, he learned at a very young age what exclusion and racism mean. Hannes, a law student, documents the shift to the right in his home region while grappling with his own family history, particularly since breaking ties with his father, who is close to the AfD. To protect himself from hostility and attacks while filming, he also practices kickboxing. Alexandra, a close friend of Max’s, runs a beauty salon in a housing project made up of prefabricated apartment blocks. Despite everything, she has deliberately chosen to stay in her home region—even though she is constantly confronted with the divisions in society right there in her salon.

Three young people, caught between their commitment, their daily lives, and questions about the future that awaits this deeply divided state.